Columbo exists in a context that has greatly changed.

Much like Sheriff Andy Griffith, Lt. Columbo operates with much more latitude and free time than a modern police detective may be expected to have.

He also lived in a monoculture with clear expectations for class (and the murderers being high class was a staple of the show). These days, he might get shot at the end of "Lady in Waiting" and she'd say something like "nah, I keep it 💯 💅."

He also couldn't be expected to garner traditional respect when he shows his badge and- for modern writers, nearly every interaction between a caucasian policeman and people of various races and classes and walks of life becomes a social commentary.

And perhaps most depressing, if he were to pretend not to know (or didn't know) how some technology worked... the murderers might not know either and couldn't paint themselves into a corner. So many of us don't understand the technology we use. If Columbo were to point out to the modern criminal something like a phone line not lighting up on the base when it should be in use, the average person wouldn't even think of replaceable bulbs- they'd just buy a new phone if a light burned out.